Whether you’re a gamekeeper looking to spruce up your land to house and protect bucks for deer hunting season or if you're simply interested in animal observation, it's essential to create and maintain the proper environment for deer to draw them to your property. From food sources to shelter and water supply, consult the land management guide below to transform your property into a deer haven. 

A Guide to Attracting Deer Through Land Management Techniques 

1. Manage Natural Vegetation 

Without ideal vegetation, deer likely won't be attracted to your property, especially since certain kinds of plantlife are essential for a deer's concealment, shelter, and nourishment. However, if your property is lacking substantial foliage, wildlife management techniques can cultivate the growth of natural vegetation on your property. Discing, for example, involves shallowly tilling the soil to stimulate native grass, forb, and wood growth. Regularly mowing, especially on edge roads, old fields, and fire breaks, can remove old-growth grasses to promote new growth and seed dispersion. The process of thinning certain trees can help as well to ensure sufficient sunlight reaches forested areas. A land management professional can also assist you with prescribed burning, which can promote diverse, abundant vegetation, improve plant nutrition and accessibility, and control brush. 

2. Plant Food Plots

You can also cultivate food plots in firebreaks, small clearings, and wooded areas to entice deer with additional foraging opportunities. When doing so, consider using the 60:20:20 rule, which entails planting about 60 percent cool-season perennials, such as clover; 20 percent cool-season annuals, like turnip and kale; and 20 percent warm-season annuals, like soybeans, alfalfa, and corn. Deer also enjoy nuts like acorns and chestnuts, which they can feast on in autumn as other vegetation supplies decline. Consider consulting with a wildlife management professional to ensure you’re planting the ideal crops for your area.

3. Provide Water

Deer get much of their water from the food they consume, but they do require additional sources of hydration, especially in warm weather. If there’s not a natural creek, river, or pond on your property, consider creating a watering hole or trough. Ensure the source is protected with trees on both sides to provide cover for the deer to feel secure. This vegetation can also reduce erosion and runoff.

4. Build Sanctuaries & Bedding Areas 

Even if you plan to hunt the deer on your property, it’s essential to have some acreage devoted to a hunting-free zone where deer can seek refuge. Ideally, the area should be elevated and near the property’s center with plenty of thick vegetation for cover. Also, you’ll want to provide bedding areas where deer can rest. 

For land and wildlife management assistance in Ouachita County, turn to Neeley Forestry Service in Camden, AR. Their team of registered foresters and technicians has more than 140 years of combined experience and provides various services, from land sales to forestry consulting and wildlife management. Call (870) 836-5981 to speak with a friendly staff member, or contact them through the website.